Thomas G. Long, one of America's most trusted and thoughtful
pulpit voices, provides a much needed theological and cultural
critique of today's Christian funeral. Long begins by describing
how the Christian funeral developed historically, theologically,
and liturgically and then discusses recent cultural trends in
funeral practices, including the rise in number of cremations and
memorial services. He describes the basic pattern for a funeral
service, details options in funeral planning, identifies
characteristics of a "good funeral," and provides thoughtful
guidance for preaching at a funeral.
But Long also notes a disturbing trend toward funeral services
that seem theologically right and pastorally caring but actually
depart from the primary aims of the Christian funeral. Long argues
that the proper Christian funeral should be constructed around the
metaphor of the deceased as a saint traveling on a baptismal
journey toward God, accompanied by the community of faith on "the
last mile of the way." He cautions that the cultural conditions for
maintaining this view are under stress and a new, less theological
and less satisfying metaphor that focuses on the mourner has begun
to erode the Christian view. He contrasts the ancient grand
community drama with today's trend toward body-less memorial
services that focus primarily on the living and grief management,
arguing that this is a loss for the church and calling for the
church to reclaim the classic metaphor.
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